[serius_06]

Zero races currently in USA, two in two years' time?! Wow what a sudden change in direction after Bernie fell out with Indianapolis. But I'm not particularly fond of having multiple races in the same country, especially as there are so many countries that want to host a race.

[SeLvesTr]

Just what F1 so desperately needs, another street circuit. As nigelred5 alludes to, such a proposed circuit would need massive construction upgrades, presumably from public funds. US street courses present some of the worst racing layouts anywhere, because basic infrastructure has been neglected for so long. I watched part of a ALMS race from the Baltimore Grand Prix, including a full-course caution situation from a loose manhole cover.

The problem is that the Governor, mentioned in the story, as late as Jan was musing about the state being forced into bankruptcy. He was exaggerating over a health and education funding issue, but it is no secret that the state is in perilous financial shape. So where is the money to come from?

Bernie seems obsessed with bringing F1 to this urban area because it has 12-15M people, who he assumes are desparate to see a Grand Prix. This remains to be seen.
There is a core group of enthusiasts who could be attracted to drive a few hours to a real racing venue, Watkins Glen still attracts crowds for various events.
But F1 turned that corner many years ago and has been looking for a permanent home for a USGP ever since.
I doubt very much that NJ will be that home.

[Sleflanna]

Zero races currently in USA, two in two years' time?! Wow what a sudden change in direction after Bernie fell out with Indianapolis. But I'm not particularly fond of having multiple races in the same country, especially as there are so many countries that want to host a race.

I don't know that it's a sudden change in direction, Bernie has been looking for other US sites for several years. Even indy wasn't where Bernie wanted to be. He was just finally able to find two fools willing to part with $3-400mil. I'm very curious to see the details of this deal. I've only see nlimited pics posted by AR1, but that project looks like A LOT of taxpayer money to accomodate F1. I suppose that area is a targeted area for development or something looking at the pictures.

[SeLvesTr]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/form...e/15440153.stm

This link has more about coming announcement.

Spokesman modestly compares the circuit to Spa, but with a feel of Monaco. Good to see he understands the dangers of hyperbole.

[PhilipBartew]

I've seen this if it helps... I don't know those streets. One thing I know for sure, it's not going to be a Singapore level track.....\\

It looks like that map uses JFK Boulevard as a straightaway, but that's a residential area. Even I wouldn't want an F1 race (literally) in my front yard.

The more likely route would Follow Port Imperial Boulevard and Avenue at Port Imperial, but there are still be apartment buildings along the way. Plus it would block access to the ferry terminal.

[forebirdo]

The layout doesn't look any worse than all the street circuits Indycars race on. I sense some sour grapes from a couple of American posters (where on earth is the money coming from, etc.) New York is a logical choice for an F1 race since the place is most like Europe in the US and a lot of the people living there are immigrants from countries where F1 is known.

[nasxbrtyol]

it's will be a true World Championship by any standards now, I mean three races in North America, one in South America with Mexico probably being added in the the near future.

Not really a true World Championship until an African race is added to the list as well.

[vulikox]

Another street circuit. Hold my enthusiasm.

[Sleflanna]

The layout doesn't look any worse than all the street circuits Indycars race on. I sense some sour grapes from a couple of American posters (where on earth is the money coming from, etc.) New York is a logical choice for an F1 race since the place is most like Europe in the US and a lot of the people living there are immigrants from countries where F1 is known.

New York may be a "logical" choice, but that location??? How about starting with holding it.... In NEW YORK! worse than Indycar curcuits? No, but that's where Im sceptical.. F1 doesn't accept races (other than Monaco) on anything even remotely like an Indycar circuit. Where are they building the mandatory permanent pit facility F1 requires?

Comparisons to Spa?... Uh, it's got hills... Monaco?.... Well, there's water.. Almost the entire course appears to be through residential streets or past High dollar condos. How's That going to go over when officially announced.

From the picutrres AR1 posted, It's going to run along the top of hte cliffs along JFK, then down to delfino, down the hill and then onto Port Imperial BLVD. I don't see where else it could run staying down on the river banks and have a complete circuit. Where's my popcorn waiting for this one to develop.....

[itaspCatCriny]

Just what F1 so desperately needs, another street circuit. As nigelred5 alludes to, such a proposed circuit would need massive construction upgrades, presumably from public funds. US street courses present some of the worst racing layouts anywhere, because basic infrastructure has been neglected for so long. I watched part of a ALMS race from the Baltimore Grand Prix, including a full-course caution situation from a loose manhole cover.

http://joesaward.wordpress.com/2011/...on-the-hudson/

Joe Saward suggests that much of the funding would come from private investors, not least the landowner who owns most of the land the track is on. If so public funds would not have to be dipped into.

I think it would be a great idea to run a race there. Handled properly NJ could be akin to Singapore which has got the most out of F1 IMO, raising the profile of the NJ districts the race is held in.

Also with one of the densest population centres in the world wrapped around it hopefully this is one new race (like Singapore) that could hope to maintain full grandstands and therefore income for years to come. The only problem with this though is that the F1 engines will be heard pretty much all over Manhattan over the extended weekend which could annoy as many people as it attracts.

[SeLvesTr]

http://joesaward.wordpress.com/2011/...on-the-hudson/

Joe Saward suggests that much of the funding would come from private investors, not least the landowner who owns most of the land the track is on. If so public funds would not have to be dipped into.

I see from story that the pits and facilities could be built on private land. That still leaves public roads for the actual circuit. Could someone comment on the present state of these roads, what upgrades are necessary other than repaving; example, curbs, armco barriers and so on. F1 standards are considerably higher than IRS when running street circuits in N. America. Would this not involve some outlay of public funds? I notice the mayors claim no requirement of funds, but is this realistic?
Afterall, when they are mentioning Spa and Monaco in the same breath, it is prudent to be slightly skeptical.

[Sleflanna]

Autoracing 1 has about 30 street level photographs of every turn and straight of the proposed course. let's just say, I would expect 100% of it needing repaving, the two sections that go up and down the cliffs needing extensive rebuilding, new walls, etc. especially o nteh southern end where that climb is very narrow. Everythign on top of the hill looks to be public roads/street , however it seems as though many/much of the roads closest ot the Hudson may be still private land(?) There is a rail terminal and looks like two different ferry landings in that area, which a local may be able to tell if they are public or private. I want to know how the hell are fans going to get there, and where are they going to park, etc. The proposed course looks like it will totally lock that area on the river down with little means of egress. It looks like it's going to rely on a near 100% commitment of public/mass transportation to get to the track area.

[dietpillxanaxaxx]

... It looks like it's going to rely on a near 100% commitment of public/mass transportation to get to the track area.

Similar to the Montreal GP.

[FloareTraurne]

I remember Huston and Detroit and for the racing fan there is nothing better,. Indy was close to me and I vent every year but they left again. I will go see it because I love it, but challenge for F1 is how to keep it afordable and make profit. Money was a problem at Indy and was in Montreal . I hope for the best and looking forward to be there.

[Anaedilla]

Oh dear, a dumb idea....

I know it's not possible, but the FiA should have the final say on the calendar.....purely to provide a check & balance for the suitability of the Championship.

[SeLvesTr]

I sense some sour grapes from a couple of American posters (where on earth is the money coming from, etc.) New York is a logical choice for an F1 race since the place is most like Europe in the US and a lot of the people living there are immigrants from countries where F1 is known.

A healthy dose of scepticism is warranted, because of the record of other F1 Grand Prix in Dallas, Detroit, Las Vegas Phoenix... maybe missed a few. If F1 is to prosper in the US, I believe it will be at a proper permanent racing facility, not a street circuit. Street circuits by their nature emphasize a temporary nature, and this plays into Bernie's bait and switch negotiating tecniques. A US F1 race will take some years to grow into a tradition and this cannot be achieved by moving every few years. Indy was a possibility, not a great layout, but at least a good traditional connection with motorsport.

I note that before a wheel turns at Austin, already there is a second proposed F1 race. This will not help the organizers as they lose their unique claim to the only appearence of F1 racing in US. I assume they were aware of this, but they might wonder, how many other groups does has Bernie have waiting in the wings?
To me this is the main problem of a US Grand Prix and I don't see a NJ street race as being the solution.
I think it would have been wise to see how the Austin race panned out, before announcing a 2nd event.

[forebirdo]

A healthy dose of scepticism is warranted, because of the record of other F1 Grand Prix in Dallas, Detroit, Las Vegas Phoenix... maybe missed a few. If F1 is to prosper in the US, I believe it will be at a proper permanent racing facility, not a street circuit. Street circuits by their nature emphasize a temporary nature, and this plays into Bernie's bait and switch negotiating tecniques. A US F1 race will take some years to grow into a tradition and this cannot be achieved by moving every few years. Indy was a possibility, not a great layout, but at least a good traditional connection with motorsport.

I note that before a wheel turns at Austin, already there is a second proposed F1 race. This will not help the organizers as they lose their unique claim to the only appearence of F1 racing in US. I assume they were aware of this, but they might wonder, how many other groups does has Bernie have waiting in the wings?
To me this is the main problem of a US Grand Prix and I don't see a NJ street race as being the solution.
I think it would have been wise to see how the Austin race panned out, before announcing a 2nd event.

But isn't it so that in order to have even limited success in the US (F1 isn't looking to be a major sport in the US), they need to be there more than once a year and they need to have as many races as possible that don't happen in the early hours of the morning for Americans.

[SeLvesTr]

But isn't it so that in order to have even limited success in the US (F1 isn't looking to be a major sport in the US), they need to be there more than once a year and they need to have as many races as possible that don't happen in the early hours of the morning for Americans.

In a word no. Most people are able to tape their TV programs, it matters little when they are on. I watch most races, but have seldom watched one live. If they are broadcast, fans will find them.

I think it is more important to have some consistency, or tradition. In this case let Austin develop and see if the appeal is there, before adding a 2nd race. F1 will take some years to grow because it has been absent for a while. In a sense it will be like starting from scratch again. There are dozens of sports events on American TV now, and F1 does not rate very highly at all. It will be a tough sell for sure.

[PRengine]

Oh dear, a dumb idea....

I know it's not possible, but the FiA should have the final say on the calendar.....purely to provide a check & balance for the suitability of the Championship.

Dumb? I can imagine the FIA's say on a New York Grand Prix......"New York? The Financial and Business Capital of the World? Home to Madison Avenue? Where do we sign?"

[poRmawayncmop]

I think it is more important to have some consistency, or tradition. In this case let Austin develop and see if the appeal is there, before adding a 2nd race. F1 will take some years to grow because it has been absent for a while. In a sense it will be like starting from scratch again. There are dozens of sports events on American TV now, and F1 does not rate very highly at all. It will be a tough sell for sure.

That, I feel, is a very good point.